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Liu E, Zhang Y, Wang JZ. Updates in Alzheimer's disease: from basic research to diagnosis and therapies. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:45. [PMID: 39232848 PMCID: PMC11373277 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00432-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disorder, characterized pathologically by extracellular deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) into senile plaques and intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau (pTau) as neurofibrillary tangles. Clinically, AD patients show memory deterioration with varying cognitive dysfunctions. The exact molecular mechanisms underlying AD are still not fully understood, and there are no efficient drugs to stop or reverse the disease progression. In this review, we first provide an update on how the risk factors, including APOE variants, infections and inflammation, contribute to AD; how Aβ and tau become abnormally accumulated and how this accumulation plays a role in AD neurodegeneration. Then we summarize the commonly used experimental models, diagnostic and prediction strategies, and advances in periphery biomarkers from high-risk populations for AD. Finally, we introduce current status of development of disease-modifying drugs, including the newly officially approved Aβ vaccines, as well as novel and promising strategies to target the abnormal pTau. Together, this paper was aimed to update AD research progress from fundamental mechanisms to the clinical diagnosis and therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enjie Liu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Endocrine, Liyuan Hospital, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430077, China
| | - Jian-Zhi Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Ministry of Education for Neurological Disorders, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China.
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2
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Asada-Utsugi M, Urushitani M. Tau beyond Tangles: DNA Damage Response and Cytoskeletal Protein Crosstalk on Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7906. [PMID: 39063148 PMCID: PMC11277103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurons in the brain are continuously exposed to various sources of DNA damage. Although the mechanisms of DNA damage repair in mitotic cells have been extensively characterized, the repair pathways in post-mitotic neurons are still largely elusive. Moreover, inaccurate repair can result in deleterious mutations, including deletions, insertions, and chromosomal translocations, ultimately compromising genomic stability. Since neurons are terminally differentiated cells, they cannot employ homologous recombination (HR) for double-strand break (DSB) repair, suggesting the existence of neuron-specific repair mechanisms. Our research has centered on the microtubule-associated protein tau (MAPT), a crucial pathological protein implicated in neurodegenerative diseases, and its interplay with neurons' DNA damage response (DDR). This review aims to provide an updated synthesis of the current understanding of the complex interplay between DDR and cytoskeletal proteins in neurons, with a particular focus on the role of tau in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Makoto Urushitani
- Department of Neurology, Molecular Neuroscience Research Center, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu 520-2192, Shiga, Japan;
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3
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Roberts A, Swerdlow RH, Wang N. Adaptive and Maladaptive DNA Breaks in Neuronal Physiology and Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7774. [PMID: 39063016 PMCID: PMC11277458 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25147774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
DNA strand breaks excessively accumulate in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD). While traditionally considered random, deleterious events, neuron activity itself induces DNA breaks, and these "adaptive" breaks help mediate synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Recent studies mapping the brain DNA break landscape reveal that despite a net increase in DNA breaks in ectopic genomic hotspots, adaptive DNA breaks around synaptic genes are lost in AD brains, and this is associated with transcriptomic dysregulation. Additionally, relationships exist between mitochondrial dysfunction, a hallmark of AD, and DNA damage, such that mitochondrial dysfunction may perturb adaptive DNA break formation, while DNA breaks may conversely impair mitochondrial function. A failure of DNA break physiology could, therefore, potentially contribute to AD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anysja Roberts
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Kansas City, KS 66205, USA (R.H.S.)
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Russell H. Swerdlow
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Kansas City, KS 66205, USA (R.H.S.)
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City 66160, KS, USA
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Kansas City, KS 66205, USA (R.H.S.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
- Institute for Reproductive and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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Neven J, Issayama LK, Dewachter I, Wilson DM. Genomic stress and impaired DNA repair in Alzheimer disease. DNA Repair (Amst) 2024; 139:103678. [PMID: 38669748 DOI: 10.1016/j.dnarep.2024.103678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD) is the most prominent form of dementia and has received considerable attention due to its growing burden on economic, healthcare and basic societal infrastructures. The two major neuropathological hallmarks of AD, i.e., extracellular amyloid beta (Aβ) peptide plaques and intracellular hyperphosphorylated Tau neurofibrillary tangles, have been the focus of much research, with an eye on understanding underlying disease mechanisms and identifying novel therapeutic avenues. One often overlooked aspect of AD is how Aβ and Tau may, through indirect and direct mechanisms, affect genome integrity. Herein, we review evidence that Aβ and Tau abnormalities induce excessive genomic stress and impair genome maintenance mechanisms, events that can promote DNA damage-induced neuronal cell loss and associated brain atrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien Neven
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, BIOMED, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Luidy Kazuo Issayama
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, BIOMED, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Ilse Dewachter
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, BIOMED, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - David M Wilson
- Hasselt University, Biomedical Research Institute, BIOMED, Hasselt 3500, Belgium.
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5
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Kisby GE, Wilson DM, Spencer PS. Introducing the Role of Genotoxicity in Neurodegenerative Diseases and Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7221. [PMID: 39000326 PMCID: PMC11241460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Decades of research have identified genetic and environmental factors involved in age-related neurodegenerative diseases and, to a lesser extent, neuropsychiatric disorders. Genomic instability, i.e., the loss of genome integrity, is a common feature among both neurodegenerative (mayo-trophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) and psychiatric (schizophrenia, autism, bipolar depression) disorders. Genomic instability is associated with the accumulation of persistent DNA damage and the activation of DNA damage response (DDR) pathways, as well as pathologic neuronal cell loss or senescence. Typically, DDR signaling ensures that genomic and proteomic homeostasis are maintained in both dividing cells, including neural progenitors, and post-mitotic neurons. However, dysregulation of these protective responses, in part due to aging or environmental insults, contributes to the progressive development of neurodegenerative and/or psychiatric disorders. In this Special Issue, we introduce and highlight the overlap between neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders, as well as the emerging clinical, genomic, and molecular evidence for the contributions of DNA damage and aberrant DNA repair. Our goal is to illuminate the importance of this subject to uncover possible treatment and prevention strategies for relevant devastating brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glen E. Kisby
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of Pacific Northwest, Western University of Health Sciences, Lebanon, OR 97355, USA
| | - David M. Wilson
- Biomedical Research Institute, BIOMED, Hasselt University, 3500 Hasselt, Belgium;
| | - Peter S. Spencer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Oregon Institute of Occupational Health Sciences, Oregon Health & Sciences University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
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Yan T, Heckman MG, Craver EC, Liu CC, Rawlinson BD, Wang X, Murray ME, Dickson DW, Ertekin-Taner N, Lou Z, Bu G, Springer W, Fiesel FC. The UFMylation pathway is impaired in Alzheimer's disease. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.24.595755. [PMID: 38903110 PMCID: PMC11188091 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.24.595755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the presence of neurofibrillary tangles made of hyperphosphorylated tau and senile plaques composed of beta-amyloid. These pathognomonic deposits have been implicated in the pathogenesis, although the molecular mechanisms and consequences remain undetermined. UFM1 is an important, but understudied ubiquitin-like protein that is covalently attached to substrates. This UFMylation has recently been identified as major modifier of tau aggregation upon seeding in experimental models. However, potential alterations of the UFM1 pathway in human AD brain have not been investigated yet. Methods Here we used frontal and temporal cortex samples from individuals with or without AD to measure the protein levels of the UFMylation pathway in human brain. We used multivariable regression analyses followed by Bonferroni correction for multiple testing to analyze associations of the UFMylation pathway with neuropathological characteristics, primary biochemical measurements of tau and additional biochemical markers from the same cases. We further studied associations of the UFMylation cascade with cellular stress pathways using Spearman correlations with bulk RNAseq expression data and functionally validated these interactions using gene-edited neurons that were generated by CRISPR-Cas9. Results Compared to controls, human AD brain had increased protein levels of UFM1. Our data further indicates that this increase mainly reflects conjugated UFM1 indicating hyperUFMylation in AD. UFMylation was strongly correlated with pathological tau in both AD-affected brain regions. In addition, we found that the levels of conjugated UFM1 were negatively correlated with soluble levels of the deUFMylation enzyme UFSP2. Functional analysis of UFM1 and/or UFSP2 knockout neurons revealed that the DNA damage response as well as the unfolded protein response are perturbed by changes in neuronal UFM1 signaling. Conclusions There are marked changes in the UFMylation pathway in human AD brain. These changes are significantly associated with pathological tau, supporting the idea that the UFMylation cascade might indeed act as a modifier of tau pathology in human brain. Our study further nominates UFSP2 as an attractive target to reduce the hyperUFMylation observed in AD brain but also underscores the critical need to identify risks and benefits of manipulating the UFMylation pathway as potential therapeutic avenue for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingxiang Yan
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Michael G. Heckman
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Emily C. Craver
- Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, USA
| | - Chia-Chen Liu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | | | - Xue Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Melissa E. Murray
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Neuroscience PhD Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Dennis W. Dickson
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Neuroscience PhD Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Nilufer Ertekin-Taner
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Neuroscience PhD Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Zhenkun Lou
- Department of Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Guojun Bu
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Wolfdieter Springer
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Neuroscience PhD Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
| | - Fabienne C. Fiesel
- Department of Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
- Neuroscience PhD Program, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Jacksonville, FL 32224, USA
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Li S, Roy ER, Wang Y, Watkins T, Cao W. DLK-MAPK Signaling Coupled with DNA Damage Promotes Intrinsic Neurotoxicity Associated with Non-Mutated Tau. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:2978-2995. [PMID: 37955806 PMCID: PMC11043018 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03720-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of neurodegeneration. Despite the well-established link between tau aggregation and clinical progression, the major pathways driven by this protein to intrinsically damage neurons are incompletely understood. To model AD-relevant neurodegeneration driven by tau, we overexpressed non-mutated human tau in primary mouse neurons and observed substantial axonal degeneration and cell death, a process accompanied by activated caspase 3. Mechanistically, we detected deformation of the nuclear envelope and increased DNA damage response in tau-expressing neurons. Gene profiling analysis further revealed significant alterations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway; moreover, inhibitors of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were effective in alleviating wild-type human tau-induced neurodegeneration. In contrast, mutant P301L human tau was less toxic to neurons, despite causing comparable DNA damage. Axonal DLK activation induced by wild-type tau potentiated the impact of DNA damage response, resulting in overt neurotoxicity. In summary, we have established a cellular tauopathy model highly relevant to AD and identified a functional synergy between the DLK-MAPK axis and DNA damage response in the neuronal degenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanming Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ethan R Roy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yanyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Trent Watkins
- Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, 94158, USA
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Grosshans D, Thomas R, Zhang D, Cronkite C, Thomas R, Singh S, Bronk L, Morales R, Duman J. Subcellular functions of tau mediates repair response and synaptic homeostasis in injury. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3897741. [PMID: 38464175 PMCID: PMC10925419 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3897741/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Injury responses in terminally differentiated cells such as neurons is tightly regulated by pathways aiding homeostatic maintenance. Cancer patients subjected to neuronal injury in brain radiation experience cognitive declines similar to those seen in primary neurodegenerative diseases. Numerous studies have investigated the effect of radiation in proliferating cells of the brain, yet the impact in differentiated, post-mitotic neurons, especially the structural and functional alterations remain largely elusive. We identified that microtubule-associated tau is a critical player in neuronal injury response via compartmentalized functions in both repair-centric and synaptic regulatory pathways. Ionizing radiation-induced injury acutely induces increase in phosphorylated tau in the nucleus and directly interacts with histone 2AX (H2AX), a DNA damage repair (DDR) marker. Loss of tau significantly reduced H2AX after irradiation, indicating that tau may play an important role in neuronal DDR response. We also observed that loss of tau increases eukaryotic elongation factor levels after irradiation, the latter being a positive regulator of protein translation. This cascades into a significant increase in synaptic proteins, resulting in disrupted homeostasis. Consequently, novel object recognition test showed decrease in learning and memory in tau-knockout mice after irradiation, and electroencephalographic activity showed increase in delta and theta band oscillations, often seen in dementia patients. Our findings demonstrate tau's previously undefined, multifunctional role in acute responses to injury, ranging from DDR response in the nucleus to synaptic function within a neuron. Such knowledge is vital to develop therapeutic strategies targeting neuronal injury in cognitive decline for at risk and vulnerable populations.
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Liu Y, Tan Y, Zhang Z, Yi M, Zhu L, Peng W. The interaction between ageing and Alzheimer's disease: insights from the hallmarks of ageing. Transl Neurodegener 2024; 13:7. [PMID: 38254235 PMCID: PMC10804662 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-024-00397-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Ageing is a crucial risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and is characterised by systemic changes in both intracellular and extracellular microenvironments that affect the entire body instead of a single organ. Understanding the specific mechanisms underlying the role of ageing in disease development can facilitate the treatment of ageing-related diseases, such as AD. Signs of brain ageing have been observed in both AD patients and animal models. Alleviating the pathological changes caused by brain ageing can dramatically ameliorate the amyloid beta- and tau-induced neuropathological and memory impairments, indicating that ageing plays a crucial role in the pathophysiological process of AD. In this review, we summarize the impact of several age-related factors on AD and propose that preventing pathological changes caused by brain ageing is a promising strategy for improving cognitive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Liu
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Yejun Tan
- School of Mathematics, University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Zheyu Zhang
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Yi
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China
| | - Lemei Zhu
- Academician Workstation, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, 410219, People's Republic of China
| | - Weijun Peng
- Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, No.139 Middle Renmin Road, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Changsha, 410011, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Zhang X, Haeri M, Swerdlow RH, Wang N. Loss of Adaptive DNA Breaks in Alzheimer's Disease Brains. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 97:1861-1875. [PMID: 38306051 PMCID: PMC10894583 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Background DNA breaks accumulate in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. While their role as true genomic lesions is recognized, DNA breaks also support cognitive function by facilitating the expression of activity-dependent immediate early genes. This process involves TOP2B, a DNA topoisomerase that catalyzes the formation of DNA double-strand breaks. Objective To characterize how AD impacts adaptive DNA breaks at nervous system genes. Methods We leveraged the ability of DNA single- and double-strand breaks to activate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) that conjugate poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) to adjacent proteins. To characterize the genomic sites harboring DNA breaks in AD brains, nuclei extracted from 3 AD and 3 non-demented autopsy brains (frontal cortex, all male donors, age 78 to 91 years of age) were analyzed through CUT&RUN in which we targeted PAR with subsequent DNA sequencing. Results Although the AD brains contained 19.9 times more PAR peaks than the non-demented brains, PAR peaks at nervous system genes were profoundly lost in AD brains, and the expression of these genes was downregulated. This result is consistent with our previous CUT&RUN targeting γH2AX, which marks DNA double-strand breaks. In addition, TOP2B expression was significantly decreased in the AD brains. Conclusions Although AD brains contain a net increase in DNA breaks, adaptive DNA breaks at nervous system genes are lost in AD brains. This could potentially reflect diminished TOP2B expression and contribute to impaired neuron function and cognition in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Institute of Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Mohammad Haeri
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Russell H. Swerdlow
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Institute of Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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11
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Portillo M, Toiber D. Tau's function and dysfunction in the brain: when small changes have big consequences. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:152-153. [PMID: 37488858 PMCID: PMC10479848 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.373682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Portillo
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Debra Toiber
- Department of Life Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel; The Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
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12
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Huang Z. Evidence that Alzheimer's Disease Is a Disease of Competitive Synaptic Plasticity Gone Awry. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:447-470. [PMID: 38669548 PMCID: PMC11119021 DOI: 10.3233/jad-240042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that a physiological function of amyloid-β (Aβ) is to mediate neural activity-dependent homeostatic and competitive synaptic plasticity in the brain. I have previously summarized the lines of evidence supporting this hypothesis and highlighted the similarities between Aβ and anti-microbial peptides in mediating cell/synapse competition. In cell competition, anti-microbial peptides deploy a multitude of mechanisms to ensure both self-protection and competitor elimination. Here I review recent studies showing that similar mechanisms are at play in Aβ-mediated synapse competition and perturbations in these mechanisms underpin Alzheimer's disease (AD). Specifically, I discuss evidence that Aβ and ApoE, two crucial players in AD, co-operate in the regulation of synapse competition. Glial ApoE promotes self-protection by increasing the production of trophic monomeric Aβ and inhibiting its assembly into toxic oligomers. Conversely, Aβ oligomers, once assembled, promote the elimination of competitor synapses via direct toxic activity and amplification of "eat-me" signals promoting the elimination of weak synapses. I further summarize evidence that neuronal ApoE may be part of a gene regulatory network that normally promotes competitive plasticity, explaining the selective vulnerability of ApoE expressing neurons in AD brains. Lastly, I discuss evidence that sleep may be key to Aβ-orchestrated plasticity, in which sleep is not only induced by Aβ but is also required for Aβ-mediated plasticity, underlining the link between sleep and AD. Together, these results strongly argue that AD is a disease of competitive synaptic plasticity gone awry, a novel perspective that may promote AD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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13
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Zhang X, Haeri M, Swerdlow RH, Wang N. Loss of Adaptive DNA Breaks in Alzheimer's Disease Brains. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.11.566423. [PMID: 38168316 PMCID: PMC10760021 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.11.566423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Background DNA breaks accumulate in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains. While their role as true genomic lesions is recognized, DNA breaks also support cognitive function by facilitating the expression of activity-dependent immediate early genes (IEGs). This process involves TOP2B, a DNA topoisomerase that catalyzes the formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Objective To characterize how AD impacts adaptive DNA breaks at nervous system genes. Methods We leveraged the ability of DNA single- and double-strand breaks to activate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) that conjugate poly(ADP-ribose) (PAR) to adjacent proteins. To characterize the genomic sites harboring DNA breaks in AD brains, nuclei extracted from 3 AD and 3 non-demented (ND) autopsy brains (frontal cortex, all male donors, age 78 to 91 years of age) were analyzed through CUT&RUN in which we targeted PAR with subsequent DNA sequencing. Results Although the AD brains contained 19.9 times more PAR peaks than the ND brains, PAR peaks at nervous system genes were profoundly lost in AD brains, and the expression of these genes was downregulated. This result is consistent with our previous CUT&RUN targeting γH2AX, which marks DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). In addition, TOP2B expression was significantly decreased in the AD brains. Conclusion Although AD brains contain a net increase in DNA breaks, adaptive DNA breaks at nervous system genes are lost in AD brains. This could potentially reflect diminished TOP2B expression and contribute to impaired neuron function and cognition in AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Institute of Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Mohammad Haeri
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Russell H. Swerdlow
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Institute of Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
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Passaro ML, Matarazzo F, Abbadessa G, Pezone A, Porcellini A, Tranfa F, Rinaldi M, Costagliola C. Glaucoma as a Tauopathy-Is It the Missing Piece in the Glaucoma Puzzle? J Clin Med 2023; 12:6900. [PMID: 37959365 PMCID: PMC10650423 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12216900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a chronic neurodegenerative disorder affecting the visual system which can result in vision loss and blindness. The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying glaucomatous optic neuropathy are ultimately enigmatic, prompting ongoing investigations into its potential shared pathogenesis with other neurodegenerative neurological disorders. Tauopathies represent a subclass of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the abnormal deposition of tau protein within the brain and consequent microtubule destabilization. The extended spectrum of tauopathies includes conditions such as frontotemporal dementias, progressive supranuclear palsy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, and Alzheimer's disease. Notably, recent decades have witnessed emerging documentation of tau inclusion among glaucoma patients, providing substantiation that this ocular disease may similarly manifest features of tauopathies. These studies found that: (i) aggregated tau inclusions are present in the somatodendritic compartment of RGCs in glaucoma patients; (ii) the etiology of the disease may affect tau splicing, phosphorylation, oligomerization, and subcellular localization; and (iii) short interfering RNA against tau, administered intraocularly, significantly decreased retinal tau accumulation and enhanced RGC somas and axon survival, demonstrating a crucial role for tau modifications in ocular hypertension-induced neuronal injury. Here, we examine the most recent evidence surrounding the interplay between tau protein dysregulation and glaucomatous neurodegeneration. We explore the novel perspective of glaucoma as a tau-associated disorder and open avenues for cross-disciplinary collaboration and new treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Laura Passaro
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | | | - Gianmarco Abbadessa
- Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80138 Naples, Italy;
| | - Antonio Pezone
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonio Porcellini
- Department of Biology, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80126 Naples, Italy; (A.P.); (A.P.)
| | - Fausto Tranfa
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Michele Rinaldi
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
| | - Ciro Costagliola
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.L.P.); (F.T.); (C.C.)
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15
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Clementi L, Sabetta S, Zelli V, Compagnoni C, Tessitore A, Mattei V, Angelucci A. Mitotic phosphorylation of Tau/MAPT modulates cell cycle progression in prostate cancer cells. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:7689-7701. [PMID: 37000265 PMCID: PMC10374748 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04721-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Tau/MAPT (microtubule associated protein tau) protein is actively studied for the pathologic consequences of its aberrant proteostasis in central nervous system leading to neurodegenerative diseases. Besides its ability to generate insoluble toxic oligomers, Tau homeostasis has attracted attention for its involvement in the formation of the mitotic spindle. This evidence, in association with the description of Tau expression in extra-neuronal tissues, and mainly in cancer tissues, constitutes the rationale for a more in-depth investigation of Tau role also in neoplastic diseases. METHODS In our study, we investigated the expression of phosphorylated Tau in prostate cancer cell lines with particular focus on the residue Thr231 present in microtubule binding domain. RESULTS The analysis of prostate cancer cells synchronized with nocodazole demonstrated that the expression of Tau protein phosphorylated at residue Thr231 is restricted to G2/M cell cycle phase. The phosphorylated form was unable to bind tubulin and it does not localize on mitotic spindle. As demonstrated by the use of specific inhibitors, the phosphorylation status of Tau is under the direct control of cdk5 and PP2A, while cdk1 activation was able to exert an indirect control. These mechanisms were also active in cells treated with docetaxel, where counteracting the expression of the dephosphorylated form, by kinase inhibition or protein silencing, determined resistance to drug toxicity. CONCLUSIONS We hypothesize that phosphorylation status of Tau is a key marker for G2/M phase in prostate cancer cells and that the forced modulation of Tau phosphorylation can interfere with the capacity of cell to efficiently progress through G2/M phase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letizia Clementi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Samantha Sabetta
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Veronica Zelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
- Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Advanced Therapies, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Chiara Compagnoni
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Alessandra Tessitore
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
- Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Advanced Therapies, University of L'Aquila, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Mattei
- Biomedicine and Advanced Technologies Rieti Center "Sabina Universitas", 02100, Rieti, Italy
| | - Adriano Angelucci
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio, 67100, L'Aquila, Italy.
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16
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Vijay Kumar MJ, Morales R, Tsvetkov AS. G-quadruplexes and associated proteins in aging and Alzheimer's disease. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2023; 4:1164057. [PMID: 37323535 PMCID: PMC10267416 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2023.1164057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a prominent risk factor for many neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). Alzheimer's disease is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, memory loss, and neuropsychiatric and behavioral symptoms, accounting for most of the reported dementia cases. This disease is now becoming a major challenge and burden on modern society, especially with the aging population. Over the last few decades, a significant understanding of the pathophysiology of AD has been gained by studying amyloid deposition, hyperphosphorylated tau, synaptic dysfunction, oxidative stress, calcium dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. This review focuses on the role of non-canonical secondary structures of DNA/RNA G-quadruplexes (G4s, G4-DNA, and G4-RNA), G4-binding proteins (G4BPs), and helicases, and their roles in aging and AD. Being critically important for cellular function, G4s are involved in the regulation of DNA and RNA processes, such as replication, transcription, translation, RNA localization, and degradation. Recent studies have also highlighted G4-DNA's roles in inducing DNA double-strand breaks that cause genomic instability and G4-RNA's participation in regulating stress granule formation. This review emphasizes the significance of G4s in aging processes and how their homeostatic imbalance may contribute to the pathophysiology of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. J. Vijay Kumar
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Rodrigo Morales
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Centro Integrativo de Biologia y Quimica Aplicada (CIBQA), Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrey S. Tsvetkov
- The Department of Neurology, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
- UTHealth Consortium on Aging, The University of Texas McGovern Medical School, Houston, TX, United States
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17
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Nelson TJ, Xu Y. Sting and p53 DNA repair pathways are compromised in Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2023; 13:8304. [PMID: 37221295 PMCID: PMC10206146 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35533-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia. A common finding in AD is DNA damage. Double-strand DNA breaks (DSBs) are particularly hazardous to neurons because their post-mitotic state forces neurons to rely on error-prone and potentially mutagenic mechanisms to repair DNA breaks. However, it remains unclear whether DNA damage results from increased DNA damage or failure of DNA repair. Oligomerization of the tumor suppressor protein p53 is an essential part of DSB repair, and p53 phosphorylated on S15 is an indicator of DNA damage. We report that the monomer:dimer ratio of phosphorylated (S15) p53 is increased by 2.86-fold in temporal lobes of AD patients compared to age-matched controls, indicating that p53 oligomerization is compromised in AD. In vitro oxidation of p53 with 100 nM H2O2 produced a similar shift in the monomer:dimer ratio. A COMET test showed a higher level of DNA degradation in AD consistent with double-strand DNA damage or inhibition of repair. Protein carbonylation was also elevated (190% of control), indicating elevated oxidative stress in AD patients. Levels of the DNA repair support protein 14-3-3σ, γ-H2AX, a phosphorylated histone marking double strand DNA breaks, and phosphorylated ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) protein were all increased. cGAS-STING-interferon signaling was impaired in AD and was accompanied by a depletion of STING protein from Golgi and a failure to elevate interferon despite the presence of DSBs. The results suggest that oxidation of p53 by ROS could inhibit the DDR and decrease its ability to orchestrate DSB repair by altering the oligomerization state of p53. The failure of immune-stimulated DNA repair may contribute to cell loss in AD and suggests new therapeutic targets for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Nelson
- Department of Neurology, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, 25704, USA.
| | - Yunhui Xu
- Department of Neurology, Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Huntington, WV, 25704, USA
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18
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Koo SY, Park EJ, Noh HJ, Jo SM, Ko BK, Shin HJ, Lee CW. Ubiquitination Links DNA Damage and Repair Signaling to Cancer Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098441. [PMID: 37176148 PMCID: PMC10179089 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Changes in the DNA damage response (DDR) and cellular metabolism are two important factors that allow cancer cells to proliferate. DDR is a set of events in which DNA damage is recognized, DNA repair factors are recruited to the site of damage, the lesion is repaired, and cellular responses associated with the damage are processed. In cancer, DDR is commonly dysregulated, and the enzymes associated with DDR are prone to changes in ubiquitination. Additionally, cellular metabolism, especially glycolysis, is upregulated in cancer cells, and enzymes in this metabolic pathway are modulated by ubiquitination. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), particularly E3 ligases, act as a bridge between cellular metabolism and DDR since they regulate the enzymes associated with the two processes. Hence, the E3 ligases with high substrate specificity are considered potential therapeutic targets for treating cancer. A number of small molecule inhibitors designed to target different components of the UPS have been developed, and several have been tested in clinical trials for human use. In this review, we discuss the role of ubiquitination on overall cellular metabolism and DDR and confirm the link between them through the E3 ligases NEDD4, APC/CCDH1, FBXW7, and Pellino1. In addition, we present an overview of the clinically important small molecule inhibitors and implications for their practical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seo-Young Koo
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Park
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Ji Noh
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Mi Jo
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Kyoung Ko
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Shin
- Team of Radiation Convergence Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Woo Lee
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
- SKKU Institute for Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
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19
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Li S, Roy ER, Wang Y, Watkins T, Cao W. Modeling Alzheimer's disease in primary neurons reveals DNA damage response coupled with MAPK-DLK signaling in wild-type tau-induced neurodegeneration. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-2617457. [PMID: 36945524 PMCID: PMC10029119 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2617457/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent form of neurodegeneration. Despite the well-established link between tau aggregation and clinical progression, the major pathways driven by this protein to intrinsically damage neurons are incompletely understood. Methods To model AD-relevant neurodegeneration driven by tau, we overexpressed wild-type human tau in primary mouse neurons and characterized the subsequent cellular and molecular changes. RNAseq profiling and functional investigation were performed as well. A direct comparison with a mutant human tau was conducted in detail. Results We observed substantial axonal degeneration and cell death associated with wild-type tau, a process accompanied by activated caspase 3. Mechanistically, we detected deformation of the nuclear envelope and increased DNA damage response in tau-expressing neurons. Gene profiling analysis further revealed significant alterations in the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway; moreover, inhibitors of dual leucine zipper kinase (DLK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were effective in alleviating wild-type human tau-induced neurodegeneration. In contrast, mutant P301L human tau was less toxic to neurons, despite causing comparable DNA damage. Axonal DLK activation induced by wild-type tau potentiated the impact of DNA damage response, resulting in overt neurotoxicity. Conclusions We have established a cellular tauopathy model highly relevant to AD and identified a functional synergy between DNA damage response and the MAPK-DLK axis in the neuronal degenerative process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanming Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Ethan R Roy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yanyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Trent Watkins
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA. Current address: Department of Neurology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158 USA
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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20
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Zhang X, Liu Y, Huang M, Gunewardena S, Haeri M, Swerdlow RH, Wang N. Landscape of Double-Stranded DNA Breaks in Postmortem Brains from Alzheimer's Disease and Non-Demented Individuals. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 94:519-535. [PMID: 37334609 PMCID: PMC10357181 DOI: 10.3233/jad-230316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease (AD) brains accumulate DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which could contribute to neurodegeneration and dysfunction. The genomic distribution of AD brain DSBs is unclear. OBJECTIVE To map genome-wide DSB distributions in AD and age-matched control brains. METHODS We obtained autopsy brain tissue from 3 AD and 3 age-matched control individuals. The donors were men between the ages of 78 to 91. Nuclei extracted from frontal cortex tissue were subjected to Cleavage Under Targets & Release Using Nuclease (CUT&RUN) assay with an antibody against γH2AX, a marker of DSB formation. γH2AX-enriched chromatins were purified and analyzed via high-throughput genomic sequencing. RESULTS The AD brains contained 18 times more DSBs than the control brains and the pattern of AD DSBs differed from the control brain pattern. In conjunction with published genome, epigenome, and transcriptome analyses, our data revealed aberrant DSB formation correlates with AD-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms, increased chromatin accessibility, and upregulated gene expression. CONCLUSION Our data suggest in AD, an accumulation of DSBs at ectopic genomic loci could contribute to an aberrant upregulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ming Huang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Mohammad Haeri
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Russell H. Swerdlow
- University of Kansas Alzheimer’s Disease Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Institute for Reproduction and Developmental Sciences, Kansas City, KS, USA
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21
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Rehman MU, Sehar N, Dar NJ, Khan A, Arafah A, Rashid S, Rashid SM, Ganaie MA. Mitochondrial dysfunctions, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation as therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases: An update on current advances and impediments. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 144:104961. [PMID: 36395982 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer disease (AD), Parkinson disease (PD), and Huntington disease (HD) represent a major socio-economic challenge in view of their high prevalence yet poor treatment outcomes affecting quality of life. The major challenge in drug development for these NDs is insufficient clarity about the mechanisms involved in pathogenesis and pathophysiology. Mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress and inflammation are common pathways that are linked to neuronal abnormalities and initiation of these diseases. Thus, elucidating the shared initial molecular and cellular mechanisms is crucial for recognizing novel remedial targets, and developing therapeutics to impede or stop disease progression. In this context, use of multifunctional compounds at early stages of disease development unclogs new avenues as it acts on act on multiple targets in comparison to single target concept. In this review, we summarize overview of the major findings and advancements in recent years focusing on shared mechanisms for better understanding might become beneficial in searching more potent pharmacological interventions thereby reducing the onset or severity of various NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muneeb U Rehman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Nouroz Sehar
- Centre for Translational and Clinical Research, School of Chemical & Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi 110062, India
| | - Nawab John Dar
- School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78992 USA
| | - Andleeb Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azher Arafah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Summya Rashid
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahzada Mudasir Rashid
- Division of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Majid Ahmad Ganaie
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Dentistry and Pharmacy, Buraydah Colleges, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
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22
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Cancer Cells Upregulate Tau to Gain Resistance to DNA Damaging Agents. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010116. [PMID: 36612113 PMCID: PMC9817522 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent reports suggested a role for microtubules in double-strand-DNA break repair. We herein investigated the role of the microtubule-associated protein Tau in radio- and chemotherapy. Noticeably, a lowered expression of Tau in breast cancer cell lines resulted in a significant decrease in mouse-xenograft breast tumor volume after doxorubicin or X-ray treatments. Furthermore, the knockdown of Tau impaired the classical nonhomologous end-joining pathway and led to an improved cellular response to both bleomycin and X-rays. Investigating the mechanism of Tau's protective effect, we found that one of the main mediators of response to double-stranded breaks in DNA, the tumor suppressor p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1), is sequestered in the cytoplasm as a consequence of Tau downregulation. We demonstrated that Tau allows 53BP1 to translocate to the nucleus in response to DNA damage by chaperoning microtubule protein trafficking. Moreover, Tau knockdown chemo-sensitized cancer cells to drugs forming DNA adducts, such as cisplatin and oxaliplatin, and further suggested a general role of Tau in regulating the nuclear trafficking of DNA repair proteins. Altogether, these results suggest that Tau expression in cancer cells may be of interest as a molecular marker for response to DNA-damaging anti-cancer agents. Clinically targeting Tau could sensitize tumors to DNA-damaging treatments.
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23
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Pathological Nuclear Hallmarks in Dentate Granule Cells of Alzheimer’s Patients: A Biphasic Regulation of Neurogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232112873. [PMID: 36361662 PMCID: PMC9654738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The dentate gyrus (DG) of the human hippocampus is a complex and dynamic structure harboring mature and immature granular neurons in diverse proliferative states. While most mammals show persistent neurogenesis through adulthood, human neurogenesis is still under debate. We found nuclear alterations in granular cells in autopsied human brains, detected by immunohistochemistry. These alterations differ from those reported in pyramidal neurons of the hippocampal circuit. Aging and early AD chromatin were clearly differentiated by the increased epigenetic markers H3K9me3 (heterochromatin suppressive mark) and H3K4me3 (transcriptional euchromatin mark). At early AD stages, lamin B2 was redistributed to the nucleoplasm, indicating cell-cycle reactivation, probably induced by hippocampal nuclear pathology. At intermediate and late AD stages, higher lamin B2 immunopositivity in the perinucleus suggests fewer immature neurons, less neurogenesis, and fewer adaptation resources to environmental factors. In addition, senile samples showed increased nuclear Tau interacting with aged chromatin, likely favoring DNA repair and maintaining genomic stability. However, at late AD stages, the progressive disappearance of phosphorylated Tau forms in the nucleus, increased chromatin disorganization, and increased nuclear autophagy support a model of biphasic neurogenesis in AD. Therefore, designing therapies to alleviate the neuronal nuclear pathology might be the only pathway to a true rejuvenation of brain circuits.
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